Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield area firefighters practiced high-rise rescue drills — including standpipe use and occupant evacuation — at Missouri State University this month to improve regional coordination among fire departments.

Safe to Sleep women’s shelter opened its permanent location at Crosslines on Tuesday, May 26, offering 40 private spaces with beds + personal lights and outlets along with shared kitchen, bathroom, and shower facilities to help women build independence.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Missouri workers earned $33.92 per hour + worked 32.9 hours weekly as of April, placing them ahead of bordering states like Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky, Iowa, and Arkansas, though Illinois employees earn $36.35 hourly.

The Library Center is hosting a 1,100 sqft exhibit titled Americans and the Holocaust from June 15 to July 27 that presents photos, documents and eyewitness accounts of American responses before WWII — local speakers will offer additional insights on various dates during the exhibit period.

The Missouri State University Foundation announced on May 27 new private gifts, including a custom Steinway player piano, for its new alumni center and said it will open in 100 days; MSU President Richard Biff Williams spoke at the event.

Missouri will restrict SNAP purchases of candy, sugary drinks and prepared desserts starting Oct.

1. Local grocers worry that without clear guidelines (expected by mid-August) enforcement will vary, possibly pushing some shoppers to neighboring states.

Gov. Mike Kehoe’s office said Missouri will keep its state gas tax — a key funding source for road projects and transit jobs — despite surging gas prices since February, ensuring ongoing support for infrastructure maintenance.

Families can visit the annual free Kids’ Health and Safety Fair at CoxHealth’s Ferrell-Duncan Clinic parking lot off East Primrose on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

The event offers inflatable games, vendors, and educational safety activities (including bike helmet distribution) to help parents and kids learn about safety topics.

Ryan Kruger was promoted to chief strategy officer at Jordan Valley Health effective April 20.

He will lead growth, innovation and patient care initiatives — also overseeing human resources.

Elevate Branson has completed the first eight tiny homes and families will begin moving in next week in a new affordable housing community; the project will eventually include 70 homes and rents start at $495 per month with utilities and trash pickup included.

Nixa senior Shaelee Franck became the Lady Eagles' all-time leading points scorer when she scored two goals and made an assist in her third game versus Smith-Cotton.

She hopes to help lead her team to back-to-back Final Fours.

Overnight Ghost Hunt at Pythian Castle

7 PM-3 AM — Pythian Castle — Entry fee applies — Explore the historic Pythian Castle through guided investigations and storytelling.

Henry Cho Live

8-11 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of clean comedy from acclaimed comedian Henry Cho.

Ian Bagg Live Comedy Show

6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience hilariously interactive comedy from a world-touring performer noted for his energetic style.

Ian Bagg Live Show

6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Tickets start at $133 — Experience an unforgettable evening of comedy with Ian Bagg in Springfield.

The Mystery Hour – Mother Road Edition

8 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Free entry — Experience an Emmy Award-winning talk show featuring comedy, music, and unexpected interviews.

Kam Patterson Live Comedy Show

6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience energetic comedy from a rising star and newest SNL cast member.

Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings

8:45-10:00 p.m. — Stone Chapel, Drury University — Limited Edition Tickets — Celebrate the 25th anniversary with enchanting music from The Lord of the Rings trilogy performed by a talented string quartet.

Springfield Sports Commission Awards 2026

7-10 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — No ticket purchase required for nominees — Celebrate the achievements of local scholastic athletes at the 14th Annual Springfield Sports Commission Awards.

2026 Queen City Open Pickleball Tournament

June 18-21 — Cooper Tennis Complex — Entry fee applies — Participate in the regional showdown of pickleball talent at one of Missouri's premier venues.

World Oddities Expo

11 AM – 3 PM — Springfield Expo Center — Tickets from $64 — Explore an unforgettable live showcase of the unusual and extraordinary.